Group Theraplay

Family Futures is now one of the UK centres for Theraplay training with a qualified UK-based trainers who specialise in working with traumatised children and their families. Theraplay is used in the UK and internationally, with over 1,200 professionals attending our training since 2002.

Our Theraplay courses are active and rewarding. We limit participant numbers so you can receive the personal attention that makes for a good training experience.

Group theraplay is a therapist-guided therapy for children that enhances attachment, self-esteem and trust in others through play and interaction. It is based on the natural qualities found in healthy parent and child relationships, and focuses on four domains: structure, nurture, engagement and challenge. This process helps children to view themselves as worthy and lovable, and change their perceptions of relationships to ones that are positive and rewarding.

This two-day training is for professionals who want to use Theraplay in classrooms, day care, residential settings or with family groups. A Theraplay Group is an adult-directed, structured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional wellbeing of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behaviour, the group leaders and children carry out positive social interaction. Gradually, positive messages from the groups become a part of the child’s internal sense of himself.

Course objectives

This course will enable you to practice Theraplay in a group setting so you can create an atmosphere that is warm, nurturing, engaging and challenging; engage hard-to-reach children and build healthy relationships, and encourage children to learn and practice self-control.

What skills will you take away?

An understanding of the four domains of Theraplay

How to apply Theraplay principles to group treatment

Skills in using group techniques

Knowledge of how to adapt the use of group Theraplay with a variety of population groups

Understanding how touch helps a child to feel calmer and more organised in a group setting

Understanding the effects of complex trauma on a child’s brain and behaviour

Trainers

Trainer: Jay Vaughan, M.A., is a Certified Theraplay therapist and supervisor as well as a Theraplay trainer. Jay is also a state registered Dramatherapist, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist and Somatic Experience Practitioner. Jay is the Clinical Director at Family Futures CIC and is also the agency’s Responsible Person.